New guidelines for doctors on violence

Doctors are being encouraged to take a more hands-on approach to domestic violence, with new guidelines on how to identify and help victims.

The Australian Medical Association has launched a new resource to educate doctors on how to identify and respond to victims, given victims are more likely to confide in a GP than any other professional.

"We need to ease the way for our patients to disclose current and past abuse and be confident that our response is both appropriate and effective," AMA vice president Stephen Parnis said.